Gert Loosen graduated as a linguist from the Catholic University of Leuven and obtained his doctorate from the University of Debrecen. He has been working in Hungary for more than twenty years: first, as a lecturer and, currently, as an Assistant Professor of Dutch and German language and literature studies. Besides his teaching activities at our university, he also directs the Dutch-Flemish Center in Debrecen, of which he was the founder. He acts as the initiator and organizer of Hungarian-Belgian cultural exchange programs as well as events featuring music, literature, film and visual arts, which have put Flemish culture on the map in Debrecen.
- Through all of these activities and responsibilities, he continues to contribute to strengthening the positive image of the Kingdom of Belgium in Hungary, especially in Debrecen. This city has had close historical ties with the Low Countries ever since the Reformation, which explains why the Dutch language and culture enjoy great prestige locally, as these are taught at the university and form part of the city’s historical identity-said Jeroen Vergeylen in his laudatory speech.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belgium emphasized that Debrecen, as the economic hub of Eastern Hungary, has been growing rapidly during the course of recent years, attracting a significant amount of new investments and a number of foreign companies, including quite a few from Belgium. In this context, Gert Loosen also acts as a virtual bridge, having made an outstanding and selfless contribution to the promotion of Belgian-Hungarian relations in the field of business as well.
- It is indeed a great honor for me to receive this award. Although I have been living in Hungary for several years, Belgium and Flanders will always warm the cockles of my heart, which is why I strive to showcase and introduce the treasures of our culture in Debrecen time and time again. I am thankful for all the support and cooperation that sustains and enables this effort- said Gert Loosen after receiving the award.
The awarding ceremony was also attended by Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Róbert Keményfi on behalf of our university and Deputy Mayor of Debrecen István Puskás, who is responsible for cultural affairs, on behalf of the city.
The Order of the Crown (Ordre de la Couronne) was founded in 1897 by King Leopold II of Belgium and can be awarded by the current king of the Belgians for both civil and military merits. This time, it was on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs that His Majesty King Philippe issued a royal decree dated July 10, 2025, to award Gert Loosen the rank of Knight (Chevalier) of the Order of the Crown in recognition of his outstanding achievements.
Press Center - BZs